From Sticky Souls to Transformed Hearts
God’s command—from the glorious clouds overshadowing the Transfiguration of Jesus in the gospels—reminds us: when we listen and do whatever the Son of God says he will lead us from barrenness due to selfish living into righteous fruit-producing living for the glory of God. Self cannot satisfy self. We must hunger for God.
This is basically our journey for Lent, because sinful attitudes and actions try to stick to our souls and destroy our Life with God. Jesus wants us to produce righteous fruit that bring glory to our King’s rule and reign.
“The final step on the way to holiness in Christ is then to completely abandon ourselves with confident joy to the apparent madness of the cross.” —-Thomas Merton
Day 29: Intimidation
The Torah teaches one witness is not enough to convict a person of sin or guilt; two witnesses are required as conclusive proof of reality. Jesus was tried by two religious leaders [Annas and Caiaphas], as well as by two military leaders [Pilate and Herod]. This is how they sought to prove Jesus committed crimes against God by blasphemy, as well as crimes against the state. Here is a chronological list of the charges:
Claiming to be “able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days” (Mat 26:61).
Speaking “blasphemy” because He believed Himself to be “the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mat 26:63-66).
Subverting the nation (Luke 23:2).
Opposing paying taxes to Caesar (Luke 23:2).
Claiming “to be a Messiah, a king” (Luke 23:2).
Stirring “up the people all over Judea by his teaching” (Luke 23:5).
Claiming to be the “Son of God” (John 9:7).
As a self-acclaimed king, opposing Caesar (John 19:12).
There was a great deal of misrepresentation and slander going on in these accusations; a manipulation of Christ’s words. However, Pilate—who was normally merciless—is unsettled about condemning Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew it is recorded, Pilate “knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy” (Mat 27:18). Yet, Pilate persisted in trying to intimidate Jesus with his position and power while the very presence and spiritual authority of Jesus unsettled Pilate. Jesus refused to walk in fear, so the intimidation did not work.
Today, we will fast intimidation tactics. Fear gives fuel to the intimidator—devil. Do you fear being misrepresented? Maybe you fear not being needed. Fear is a bully and we cannot give it power. Through prayer and obedience to the Word of God, we can resist and decrease our vulnerability to the work of intimidation. You can renounce the work of intimidation, so you are free to live in the Truth and share Christ’s victory.
John 19:7-16 NLT 7 The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.”
8 When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. 9 He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. 10 “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”
11 Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
12 Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.”
13 When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). 14 It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!”
15 “Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!”
“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.
16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified.
The Crucifixion
So they took Jesus away.
Prayer: Lord, today we fast intimidation, because we know it is birthed out of fear and a spirit of control. We renounce the work of evil and seek your help and protection to guard our vulnerability. You are our King, Jesus. We desire to live the Truth and share in your victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.